The essential fallacy of the democratic creed, it is urged, is the notion that a historic movement which effected an important and desirable release from restrictions is either a source or a proof of capacity in those thus emancipated to rule, when in fact there is no factor common in the two things.
Dewey argues against the assumption that emancipation from restrictions guarantees the ability to govern effectively.
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The easiest way out was to go back to the naked individual, to sweep away all associations as foreign to his nature and rights save as they proceeded from his own voluntary choice, and guaranteed his own private ends.
In short, private acts may be socially valuable both by indirect consequences and by direct intention.
But this conclusion is an obvious invitation to trial of forces to see where superior force lies.
In no two ages or places is there the same public.